During middle school, I took a few art classes and then my mom finally signed me up for private art lessons with a local watercolor portrait artist. I was grateful I didn't have to do piano lessons anymore. Not that there is anything wrong with piano... it just wasn't my passion. Then came high school and I signed up for my first art class. It was only one semester but I loved it. I never did get another chance to sign up for any more art classes in high school... always too late to register for that one class that filled up fast.
In college, I took so many art classes... and I don't know why I was afraid of oil, but I finally signed up for an oil painting class and it wasn't that hard. From then on, painting instead of drawing for me. I also got really involved in our school's art society and had many opportunities to see famous works of art at some of the best art galleries and museums in the country. One of the benefits of schooling on the East Coast. One of the artists that left an impression on me is John Singer Sargeant. The light that showed through those paintings - just amazed me. I love the colors and the stories of the people he painted.
After college, I lived in Phoenix, Arizona and volunteered at the local museum. So, I got to see the best shows - and tell people, please don't touch!
Then, life happened. I met someone, we fell in love, got married, had children, moved a lot... but I always had time for arts and crafts. I continued to paint and hone my style over the years. I continued to crochet a lot. I lived in The Netherlands for ten years and it rains a lot there. So, I would sit inside and crochet, paint, cook, bake and attend to the children. One of the best decades of my life.
In 2015, our family moved back to the U.S. We decided to settle in St. George, Utah. We love it here. It's warm and beautiful and a lot easier to get involved in the local arts community because we all speak the same language and understand each other. Plus, the kids are growing up and are in school, and there is more time for it - and I love being a part of this culture.
I really like whimsical paintings, and scenes that depict nostalgic memories. I like to paint children, big shady trees, and blue skies. I am also inspired by animation and illustrations found in children's books. One of my favorite Dutch artists is Fiep Westendorp, illustrator of Jip and Janneke. Some of my artwork features dream-like or child-like animated funky little trees, swirly clouds and such.
I prefer to paint with water-soluble oil, watercolor or acrylic paints. In Holland, I liked to crochet blankets but it's so warm here that I have switched over to amigurumi and toy making. I only paint when I feel truly inspired by a certain idea. It's not too often, really, I am still busy raising my little people.
